US U-18 midfielder Zach Pfeffer is enjoying a strong start in year-long loan with Hoffenheim in Germany

Pfeffer, whose loan to Hoffenheim began last week on his 18th birthday, scored in his first game with the Germany club on Tuesday. In a U-19 friendly against Stuttgart Kickers, Pfeffer scored one of Hoffeheim's goals in a convincing 6-0 win.

As a native of Dresher, Pennsylvania, Pfeffer signed with Philadelphia Union as a homegrown player when he was just 15. He made four league appearances for the MLS club but has trained with Hoffenheim twice in recent years before going on loan.

Pfeffer is likely to begin his loan with Hoffeneheim's U-19 team but is expected to be promoted to the club's U-23 team in the coming months. His loan to Hoffenheim will expire on December 31, 2013.